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Rocky Bayou State Park Aquatic Preserve
4.7 ★★★★★ 112 Google reviews · Running trail in Niceville, Florida · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Rocky Bayou State Park Aquatic Preserve's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Park providing campsites, boat launches and trails, plus a playground, beach, and picnic tables.
What runners say about Rocky Bayou State Park Aquatic Preserve
“Beautiful location with clean campsites, lots of shady trees, swimming, playgrounds, plenty of places for picnics, boat launch.”
“Has a solid boat launch, kayak rentals, lots of shoreline, miles of easy and beautiful hiking trails through woodlands and a bit of wetlands.”
“Beautiful and peaceful place with forest trails to meander through with benches to sit by the bayou.”
Quiet, clean, friendly staff. Has a solid boat launch, kayak rentals, lots of shoreline, miles of easy and beautiful hiking trails through woodlands and a bit of wetlands. Great Place to visit nature.
This has become our favoriite Florida State Park. It has won honors in Florida for 3 straight years (no other park has done that) and the staff is working hard to make it four. There are 42 sites for RVs and campers and they are clean and level with a picnic table and firepit at each site.
Something for everyone at this park. The trails are fairly flat, but there are non stop roots sure to trip one up. There's not an overabundance of parking but this looks to be a park less traveled by the masses. Entrance fee is $5 per car.
Amazing nature spot close to town. Dogs on leashes allowed :) Great trails, friendly volunteers/staff, and clean facilities. Great place to grill some burgers with family or to have a picnic next to the water. We see something new everytime and look forward to our next adventure soon.
Trail conditions & character
“Has a solid boat launch, kayak rentals, lots of shoreline, miles of easy and beautiful hiking trails through woodlands and a bit of wetlands.”
“Beautiful and peaceful place with forest trails to meander through with benches to sit by the bayou.”
“The trails are fairly flat, but there are non stop roots sure to trip one up.”
“There are 42 sites for RVs and campers and they are clean and level with a picnic table and firepit at each site.”
Plan your run at Rocky Bayou State Park Aquatic Preserve
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadrestrooms — reported by runners
- Websitedep.state.fl.us
- Phone(850) 595-0683
Hours
| Monday | 8 AM–5 PM |
| Tuesday | 8 AM–5 PM |
| Wednesday | 8 AM–5 PM |
| Thursday | 8 AM–5 PM |
| Friday | 8 AM–5 PM |
| Saturday | 8 AM–5 PM |
| Sunday | 8 AM–5 PM |
Running trails near Niceville
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Eastern Bench on Red Cedar Trail
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Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Park
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Park features camping facilities, trails through old-growth pines & a bayou for boating & fishing.
Rocky Runway Municipal Park
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EOD Range Trail North
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Lions Park
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Waterside park featuring boat ramps and docks, picnic tables and pavilions.
